William Valentine LaBuda

William Valentine LaBuda, 88 of Cloquet passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2014 in his home at Evergreen Knoll. He was born February 14, 1926 in Duluth to Joseph and Elizabeth LaBuda. He grew up in Duluth. Bill married Maureen "Dorothy" Ettinger on June 19, 1953 and they were married for 29 years before her death in 1983. On November 2, 1985 Bill married Mary Ellen Kantonen and they were together for 22 years before her death in 2007. Bill worked for US Steel in Duluth for over 30 years until retiring in 1977. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Moose Lodge, the American Legion, and the NRA. He served in the Navy during WWII and the Korean Conflict. Bill was a jack of all trades. He built his log home at Birch Lake in Ely, loved hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He enjoyed playing cribbage and having a sip of Brandy. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. In addition to his wives, Bill was preceded in death by three sisters, Barbara, Helen and Dorothy; and a son-in-law, Eldon Hall. He is survived by his children, Jane Hall of Ely, John (Jeanne Jeannetta) Kantonen of Duluth, Sandi (Mike) Roe of Ely, and Kerry (Vic) Klune of Embarrass; five grandchildren, Ian Kantonen, Elli (Justin) Baker, and Willis Kantonen, Kristen (Lee) Vetter, and Kim (Bryon) Alp; four great grandchildren, Harrison and Ava Vetter, and Killian and Kearsney Alp; and special friend, Irja Talvitie. The family would like to thank the staff at Evergreen Knoll for taking such good care of Bill. He really enjoyed living there. Special thanks to Dr. Timothy Kleinschmidt and St. Luke's Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 in St. Francis Catholic Church in Carlton. Military Honors were accorded by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. A time of lunch and fellowship followed in the church social hall. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery in Duluth. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home. Memorials preferred to Toys for Tots or a local food shelf. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com